SAN DIEGO, CA — November 5, 2024 — InnoVision Marketing Group, a global full-service marketing agency with a robust portfolio of franchise clients, is proud to celebrate their latest campaign for Buddy’s bar-b-q, a renowned Tennessee staple with 19 locations. Highlighting the restaurant’s powerful nostalgic presence in American dining, InnoVision’s campaign establishes Buddy’s bar-b-q as a timeless classic that offers “A Smokin’ Good Deal™.”
As an iconic culinary staple of East Tennessee with an expanding franchise territory, Buddy’s bar-b-q has been a favorite among locals and tourists since its opening in 1972. Since becoming the agency of record earlier this year, InnoVision has implemented successful marketing strategies that significantly contribute to the franchise’s overall growth. The campaign has quickly gained traction and propelled the brand into the spotlight within the bar-b-q category.
“The incredible work done by InnoVision has been a guiding force in helping grow the Buddy’s brand,” said Mark Lemoncelli, CEO of Buddy’s bar-b-q. “From the very start InnoVision understood our vision and has since delivered incredible marketing strategies that have elevated the Buddy’s brand beyond our expectations.”
To guide this campaign, InnoVision sought to effectively position the franchise as a destination for affordable, high-quality meals by introducing the new tagline, “A Smokin’ Good Deal™,” highlighting the value Buddy’s brings to the community. With combo meals starting at $7.99, which includes an entrée, side and drink, Buddy’s bar-b-q offers top-quality, slow-cooked meats that don’t sacrifice flavor for price — a concept the brand has stayed true to for over five decades.
At the heart of InnoVision’s campaign are two commercials that evoke nostalgia and showcase the dedication to the quality that defines Buddy’s bar-b-q. The first commercial, The Good Ole Days, portrays Buddy’s bar-b-q as the beloved and family-friendly bar-b-q restaurant guests have known and enjoyed for more than 50 years. InnoVision’s strategy positions Buddy’s as far more than just another bar-b-q chain, but rather a cultural staple woven into the fabric of American society.
The second commercial, titled Buddy’s Is Magic, emphasizes Buddy’s power to bring families together. Featuring nostalgic footage of traditional summer cookouts, this commercial displays the magical feeling of togetherness and comfort at the core of the Buddy’s brand. Through this narrative, InnoVision highlights Buddy’s as a brand that has stayed true to their roots, offering top-quality bar-b-q and heartwarming meals throughout the decades. Both commercials were developed and written by Ric Militi, CEO/Executive Creative Director, and Giselle Campos, Sr. Vice President/Sr. Creative Director, at InnoVision Marketing Group.
“In our campaign, we really wanted to spotlight the emotion and nostalgia that Buddy’s holds for so many people,” said Campos, “Our commercials simply reflect the hard work Buddy’s has put in over the past 50 years, inspiring generations through their family-centric values, comforting atmosphere and top-quality bar-b-q.”
InnoVision’s latest campaign for Buddy’s demonstrates that the bar-b-q franchise remains a cornerstone of American comfort, blending tradition with innovation to keep the brand fresh and relevant. Through heartfelt storytelling and a focus on authentic flavors, the campaign connects with both loyal customers and a new generation of bar-b-q lovers.
Offering a full suite of marketing capabilities completely done in-house, InnoVision Marketing Group creates cutting-edge campaigns that resonate with people by combining an old-school classic advertising philosophy with new-school style, technologies and trends. The result is unique, effective and memorable advertising.